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Day Trip

Exploring Kyoto—from Osaka Cruise Terminal [8 hours]

Day Trip

Osaka

English (Native), Japanese

8 hours

Private tour (only you and Jay T.)

Up to 8 people

We'll go to Kyoto, explore some of the city's finest attractions, and safely return to the ship.

—Breathtaking views from hilltop Kiyomizu Temple

—The enchanting world of Gion's geisha—you may even catch a glimpse of one!

—Fushimi Inari Shrine, where vibrant red gates line the path up the mountain

Group Size: up to 8 people

Transportation: Walking or Train/Bus/Subway (not included)

OPTIONAL to cover in-city transit for each person who needs it: ¥4,000

Jay T.

07:30 AM

Meeting Point

Ship, train, or hotel

- I meet you at your (Osaka) cruise ship arrival terminal, an Osaka hotel, or at a convenient station, such as Osaka Station. Then I'll guide you along public train lines to Kyoto Station, where our adventure truly begins.

08:30 AM

Kyoto Station

We will only get a brief glimpse of the ultramodern Kyoto Station as we quickly pass through on our way to our next destination. Perhaps we can explore it more next time!

09:00 AM

Kiyomizu-Dera

Behold the magnificent temple structure perched high atop the mountain, seemingly reaching towards the heavens. However, its relocation from a neighboring valley was not merely for proximity to the gods. Can you unravel the mystery behind this enigmatic decision? While enjoying a magnificent panoramic view of Kyoto City.

10:00 AM

Higashiyama shopping streets

As we descend from the hilltop, we are surrounded by a bustling crowd and an array of charming shops and eateries. Indulge in a delicious traditional snack or browse through the numerous souvenirs available. The choice is yours, and everything is tailored to your pace.

11:30 AM

Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is a breathtaking oasis featuring a large pond, numerous bridges, and a majestic weeping sakura tree guarding the entrance. During springtime, the park bursts into a vibrant display of cherry blossoms. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Japan's ancient past as you explore the park's serene surroundings. We next take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque cherry tree-lined streets leading down from Maruyama Park.

Yasaka Shrine stands as one of the largest and most significant shrines in all of Japan, dedicated to the revered god Susanoo-no-mikoto, brother of the goddess Amaterasu. The shrine's focus embodies beauty but also represents the arts, particularly music and singing. After making our prayers, we'll venture out of the shrine and cross the street to Gion.

12:00 PM

Gion area

We will sneak across a few modern streets, only to find ourselves surrounded by narrow streets lined with charming old Japanese houses, private clubs, and inviting restaurants. Welcome to Gion, the enchanting land of Geisha. Keep your eyes peeled, you never know what surprises await you...

01:00 PM

Old Gion & Pontocho

Explore these hidden gems of Gion, two areas straddling the river mostly undiscovered by the typical tourist crowds. Wander through streets lined with ancient buildings and homes that have stood the test of time, dating back to a time before modern Kyoto was even conceived. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this area, and get a rare glimpse of what Kyoto would have looked like before the 19th century!

02:30 PM

Kyoto Station

Still excited but satisfied, we eagerly secure our seats on the train as we reembark on our journey back to Osaka.

Ending Point

Back to where we started, or drop-off in Kyoto or Northern Osaka.

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Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Private Guide (me!)

Pickup and drop-off on foot

What‘s not included

I suggest a total of about 5000 yen cash per person for incidental expenses. These may include:

Entry to certain shrines, temples, gardens, museums. Such fees are usually small

Public Transportation

Personal expenses. Drinks, Snacks, Meals at your expense. (YOURS, not mine!)

Good idea to bring change/small bills to use in vending machines to buy drinks. There will be convenience stores, and may be souvenir shops on the road

Shrines and many small shops still only take Japanese cash

Train/Bus/Subway (not included)

OPTIONAL Fee to cover transit for each person who needs it: ¥4,000

Tour Important Information

Itinerary listed is merely a loose guide! I don't guarantee we'll be able to visit any particular place, although I'll do my best. We will at times need to change the order of events, places we visit, etc. as determined on the day of the tour. Japanese attractions also have a habit of suddenly closing without notice. If this occurs, I'll simply fill in that time with something else I think you'd enjoy.

These are all WALKING tours, and we may cover significant distances (sometimes >10km per four hours) on foot. Please dress appropriately for that, and for the weather. Japan can get quite hot and humid in summer, and it gets chilly in the winter. Sunblock, insect repellent, etc. recommended.

Roadways and walking areas in Japan can be quite rough and uneven. Please watch your step! Injury liability is usually determined by the courts to be the walker's fault for lack of care, not that of anyone else.